Hello everyone and welcome to my iPhone reviews. My computer has decided that the day of reviews is the day it breaks, so we’re doing things on mobile. This is not ideal but it's what I get for using offline Microsoft Word instead of online Google Docs.
I do want to get very detailed reviews out to everyone, potentially with more detail than usual to make for the time, but at the same time, I also want for everyone to see all the judges’ perspectives when we post the results in a few short moments. So without further ado, here are some shortened thoughts of each project, with more detailed reviews to come my computer returns to normal.
DASH HABER
You posted first, but was doing so a smart decision? That’s harder to say. This is a fantastic project without much to nitpick, from the smooth queue transition to the unique slot car ride-through. I'm honestly surprised why TMNT hasn't replaced Mummy already, or at the very least Jimmy Falloon. It's the perfect IP for New York.
What would I improve? Well… I think you posted too soon. Although you did accomplish everything you set out to do faster than most, I don’t think that means you had to post as early as you did. In my opinion, you could have taken the extra time to add some polish. Maybe even try some art! I know you say its not your thing, but you never know. You do a great job on the podcast, maybe try recording something? I had assumed I was bad at maps because I tried in SA5.
JOKERS
SEA is sorta cliche at this point, but you totally make it work! This is a really cool spin on the time travel concept, going way back to the beginning and ends of time. It paced well and despite the project's short size everything services your ideas.
I agree with the idea of expanding upon this park in the future. It's a really cool concept I'd love to see explored further!
PI ON MY CAKE
FNAF was not what I was expecting from this. Fun fact Pi, I don't like horror games. I downloaded your EPCOT game, started playing it and had to quit. That plus choosing this project to read over last, in the middle of the night with my lights off, was not the best idea.
But oh my you made it work! FNAF has a really unique tone, and the more I think about it the more I think it'd work in a theme park. Guests don't have to know the franchise or it's too elaborate for its own good lore to get the gist of Evil Chuckie E Cheese.
This is all without mentioning the fantastic presentation. Wow.
SHARON & SUSAN
Crash Bandicoot is a bit unrealistic for this IP. I'm not entirely sold on video game park expansions in 2005. That said you've done a great job plotting out this ride, with some Indy vibes but the choice to jump from jungle to ice to desert keeps the fun nature of the game intact.
My biggest critique is honestly the surrounding area. I just think that's the point where the realism is pushed too far IMHO - and the entire land themed to Crash, in 2005 especially, is a lot.
SHANNON IN THE MAGIC
Despite being written in such little time, I wouldn't know it unless you told us! This is clearly a passion project, and although I'm not the biggest fan of musicals you managed to sell me the variety of musicals to pick from.
I do wish this project had a bit more detail, but given your limited time, I completely understand why it's on the shorter side. This more than matches the rest of the projects, despite your limited time!
TCOOL
This project is big and bold. It may be too massive for its own good, to be perfectly honest, as I don't see Universal realistically pursuing such a grand e-ticket without an IP to back it up. Nevertheless, this 100% would reinvent the Lost Continent from a stepping stone between Suess and Potter to a major thrill hub.
I also wanted to talk about the presentation here - it is amazing! The hand-drawn characters, the map clearly outlining everything that happens, the flipbook pre-project. Everything shows such a clear passion for this idea.
My only concern with this project is its vast, vast scale. From the extended queue to the many characters, it at times feels like too much even for Disney. But with such clear passion it is hard to lend much criticism towards this bold approach.
TEGAN PILOTS A CHICKEN
The Choasverse is such a cool idea! An entire universe for your creations. Although I would usually shout heresy for destroying all of Tomorrowland, since this project is technically set in its own universe I wouldn't consider it as big of a concern.
Before I begin with Ironheart I have to say - this entire Stark Expo is so inspired! Setting it post-Endgame is a great way to bring in new characters, while still honoring the fallen (Tony Stark Statue). Similarly, Ironheart as your e-ticket choice is a great one, able to bring in old Iron Man and Spidey villains against new heroes.
The only downside to this project is probably in the ride system description, but otherwise, this is a heartfelt final project from one of this season's greatest players!
THEME PARK PRIEST
This is well a reasoned approach to an Imagineering project, breaking down your design process and inspirations. I love how much focus went into that design process, even quoting architecture blogs for the exterior or breaking down how you’d transport the animals into the attraction. It’s clear you put a lot of thought into making this work logistically.
A second point I want to briefly touch upon - I disagree with Doug that this does not fit into Animal Kingdom. I think with the lack of the Seas Pavilion in EPCOT and this being right next door to the conservation center, this type of theming fits right in. Although I do agree it could have taken a grander approach, as at the moment the theming does lend itself more to a d-ticket than e-ticket. Of course, the presence of animals more than justifies its e-ticket standing.
What would I improve? Although I loved how much attention you went to planning this attraction, the ride through itself feels a bit short. I understand there’s not much to describe watching animals, but for all the build-up the e-ticket itself feels a bit tiny in its shorter description.